WOODLAND HILLS—On Friday, August 10, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged 23-year-old Brett Cronin in connection with the heroin overdose and subsequent death of a 13-year-old boy.

The Los Angeles Police Department blog indicates an investigation by Topanga Homicide Detectives revealed that Cronin purchased heroin and injected himself including his younger brother’s friend at a sleepover.The 13-year-old appeared to receive the injection voluntarily but had a fatal reaction to the drug and was dead prior to the arrival of paramedics at the residence in the 5300 block of Manton Avenue about 9:10 a.m.The exact cause of death will be determined by the L.A. County Coroner.

Cronin has been charged with murder, furnishing or administering heroin to a minor, and child abuse.His motive is unclear and is still under investigation by detectives.He is being held at the Los Angeles Police Department’s jail facility in Van Nuys where his bail is set at $1 million.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to call Topanga Area Homicide Detectives at (818) 756-4869. After hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to (818) 756-4800. Anonymous tips can also be called into Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.lapdonline.org by clicking on “WebTips” and following the prompts.